Jeonnam Office of Education Declares Inaugural Year for Improving Basic English Proficiency in Elementary and Secondary Schools

Strengthening Customized Education by School Level
Expanding Exchanges through Australian Online Classes and e-Friends
Accelerating the Nurturing of Jeonnam-Style Glocal Talent

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education has declared 2025 as the inaugural year for improving basic English proficiency in elementary and secondary schools. The office is actively implementing customized English education and international exchange programs tailored to each school level, accelerating efforts to nurture 'Jeonnam-style Glocal (Global+Local) Talent.'

According to the provincial office on April 22, in order to enhance basic English skills, 121 members have been trained and are now operating as an 'English Learning Guide Group' in elementary schools. The focus is on strengthening foundational English abilities through phonics instruction and classes centered on reading English storybooks (textbooks).

Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

Additionally, the 'Elementary and Secondary English Curriculum Research Group' (15 teams), established to ensure continuity between elementary and secondary education, is researching and developing a variety of English teaching materials and learning methods that reflect the needs of schools. This contributes to the realization of English education tailored to the characteristics of each school level.

The results of these efforts will be showcased at the 'English Picture Book Reading Festival' scheduled for the second half of this year. The event will feature lesson examples and materials developed by the English Learning Guide Group and the Curriculum Research Group, and is expected to present a new direction for improving basic English proficiency in Jeonnam.

The international exchange programs are also being expanded on multiple levels. Various online-based international exchange activities are actively underway, including the sixth cohort of 'Hello, e-Friends!' (82 teams), online education with Australia (30 schools), and the operation of Glocal Jeonnam International Exchange Leading Schools (28 schools). In addition, the scope of international exchange is being broadened through offline activities such as visits to partner countries and inviting students from abroad.

Notably, the focus has moved beyond simple cultural exchanges to include curriculum-centered joint projects and co-teaching, maximizing the educational impact of international exchange. This year, the number of schools participating in online education with Australia increased by 14 compared to the previous year, and the International Exchange Leading Schools are being supported with a diversified model that combines both online and face-to-face exchanges through their connection with Hello, e-Friends!.

The provincial office plans to further promote customized international exchanges at the school level based on improved basic English proficiency, and to continue systematic support so that students can grow into global citizens.

Kim Jongman, Director of Glocal Education Cooperation, stated, "We expect that the improvement of basic English proficiency will further vitalize international education at the school level," adding, "We will provide even more comprehensive support so that glocal education, where Jeonnam and the world grow together, can continue to expand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.